Alzheimer's Disease Natural and Alternative Treatments

Alzheimer's disease is a seriously devastating disorder which affects the nerve cells of the brain, causing a person memory loss and decreased cognitive skills. It affects the individual drastically as well as all those around them. It's characterized by a widespread loss of brain cells known as neurons, which leads to the person becoming increasingly forgetful, having trouble with thinking processes and even lashing out at friends and family members. Doctors and scientists have struggled for years to find a cure for this disease which becomes progressively worse in the individual, eventually leading to their death.

With more than 5 million people in the United States currently suffering from Alzheimer's, the numbers are expected to triple by the year 2050. Alzheimer's is currently amongst the top 10 leading causes of death in the US as well.  There are treatments available but none have been fully endorsed as effective against the troubling disorder.

While there is currently no known cure for the degenerative brain disorder known as Alzheimer's disease, there are plenty of treatment options available. In addition to prescribed Alzheimer's medications from doctors used to fight the cognitive, psychiatric and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's, there are also natural supplements (vitamins), natural remedies and alternative treatments for Alzheimer's.

Some individuals may prefer to forego prescribed medications by doctors for their Alzheimer's condition. It's important to fully discuss your options with a medical professional before deciding to go the natural or alternative medicine route.  A health care physician will be able to best evaluate your specific symptoms of Alzheimer's and provide appropriate treatment options.  However, in this webpage you'll find some possible natural and alternative treatments you can use to treat Alzheimer's disease.

The majority of natural treatment alternatives for Alzheimer's disease involve the regular use of specific vitamins or supplements. As mentioned above, consultation with a doctor before adding these to your health regimen is essential. It's possible by incorporating these natural health ideas into your diet can help to improve things like memory, stress levels, energy, mood and overall emotional state.

Some of the vitamins you may consider for treating Alzheimer's disease include B vitamin therapy (B6, B12 or folic acid), antioxidant vitamins like Vitamin E or lipoic acid. Herbs such as curcumin, acai, mangosteen and goji berries, also have great antioxidant properties.

Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids may be something you've heard about. You can get these in vitamin supplement forms (fish oil) or from eating certain fish like salmon. Studies have shown that people who eat averages of 180 mg plus of DHA from the fish oils tend to have lower incidence of dementia.

Taking 100 to 500 milligrams of choline or lecithin can help if taken a few times a week. Choline is an acetylcholine precursor which helps raise levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain and nervous system. Lecithin helps to boost phosphatidylcholine levels in the brain, which decline as people age, contributing to memory loss.

Drinking fluids such as fruit or vegetable juices and green or herbal teas can also help as a natural treatment for the disorder. Teas and the juices tend to have plenty of health benefits including antioxidants.

Even though the natural alternative treatments listed above have never been proven to cure or be completely effective in treating Alzheimer's disease, it is entirely possible by experimentation that an individual can find the best combination for them.   The previously discussed herbs, supplements and nutrients have been known to help with things such as memory, energy and overall immune system health.  As always, consult with a doctor or trusted health care professional before you start taking any of these natural treatments.  Some prescribed medications may have adverse effects when coupled with these suggested alternate treatments, and some may cause side effects such as insomnia if not taken carefully.